For the first time, Chicago Public Schools is offering mail-in voting for the upcoming Local School Council elections due to concerns about the pandemic.
“We know that parents are balancing various commitments, which is why we are pleased to offer them the option to vote by mail for the upcoming LSC elections so their voices can be heard in the most seamless way possible,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement Thursday. “Safety is our top priority, and whether parents vote in-person or by mail, we will ensure that eligible voters who want to participate in our LSC elections are able to do so.”
Elementary school council elections are set for Nov. 18; high school council elections are Nov. 19. Mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on the day of the election, the district said.
Parents, guardians and eligible CPS staff are being sent mail-in ballots, while students are set to receive electronic ones, according to the district. Community members will still be required to vote in person because the district doesn’t have addresses for all eligible voters, officials said.
Face coverings, social distancing, temperature checks and a health screening will be required at poll sites. Mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at the school, the district said.
